‘Get Out’ Movie Review
Get Out is the new film brought to you by one-half of the comedy duo Key & Peele, Jordan Peele (Key & Peele, Keanu). It is a dark comedy and a horror film, that currently has a 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. So I can imagine that this film is really good.
The movie focuses on a cute and young interracial couple. Chris, played by Daniel Kaluuya (Johnny English Reborn, Sicario) and his girlfriend Rose, played by Allison Williams (Peter Pan Live!) are at that stage where they have reached a milestone in their relationship and are getting ready for the first encounter. They’re at the point in their relationship where Rose wants Chris to meet her parents. Were you expecting me to say they are having a different kind of encounter? Get your mind outta the gutter for a second.
Rose invites Chris to spend a weekend with her parents, in the parents’ country getaway. Chris is worried because Rose hasn’t told her parents that Chris is African – American.
In the beginning, Chris believes the family is simply trying to break down the barriers of race, learn about him and his culture, and deal with the daughter’s interracial relationship. As the weekend goes on, Chris realizes the other African – Americans in this country getaway are acting strange, brainwashed, and Chris is picking up sketchy vibes. Chris then learns some disturbing discoveries, discoveries that will lead him to a sunken place if he doesn’t get out.
Doesn’t sound as bad as when I met a girl’s parents not that long ago.
Is Get Out Changing the Future of Horror Flicks?
Now for years individuals have been saying the movie industry, especially Hollywood, has no more creativity, especially when it comes to horror films. We think we’ve seen it all in the horror genre. Slashers, ghost, demons possessing little girls, psychopaths, a chainsaw wielding maniac. At this point, I assume somewhere a Hollywood executive must be thinking to themselves, “What haven’t we’ve done? (Light bulb) I know! A movie that explains what a large portion of black people are afraid of!”
I know the media makes it seem like many white people are scared of darker skin people. On the other hand, there is an equal amount of fear. Some darker skin people are actually afraid of Caucasians.
Now I’ve never really been that kind of person…because of all those white women! Horniness will overcome fear. Yeah that’s right, I’ve been up in that game before! I’m just kidding. But in all seriousness, I’ve never really been afraid of someone just because of the color of their skin. Unless I’m in the middle of a Neo – Nazi rally or a Klan meeting, I don’t think I have much to be afraid of.
But for a lot of brothers and sisters out there, being the only person of color in a large group can be a little mysterious at times. A lot of things can come across your mind if you are put into that situation. Such as, “What happened to everyone else? Am I though token? Are these people going to kill me?” and that is exactly what goes through the mind of our main character Chris.
“So how long has this been going on — this … thang?”
When Chris comes across Rose’s parents, played by Bradley Whitford (Billy Madison, The Cabin in the Woods) and Catherine Keener (Capote, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) let’s just say Rose’s parents are acting a little off the wall, they’re simply acting f*ckin’ weird.
They have black housekeepers that seem to be lost in a trance, they seem a little inappropriate, and everything is just off. Rose’s father keeps referring to Chris as “My man.” In addition, Rose’s father keeps trying to prove he is accepting, and “down” with everything in Chris’ culture.
I can see where this movie might anger some people. Mainly because it deals with race, race issues, social issues, and other heavy topics. On the other hand, if you truly see this movie, and open your mind, you’ll see that this movie is one of the best horror films/comedies in a really long time. I absolutely had a terrific time seeing this in theaters, and I think most people are loving this film right here.
I’m just gonna dive into it, and give you the inside scoop. The movie does a remarkable job at building up tension. It starts off with an awkward encounter with Rose’s parents. Then things really flip a switch.
The family decides to have a get together. At this get together you have other Caucasian people who are rich, wearing suits, riding white cars that all look the same, and Chris really does stand out like a sore thumb. Everyone there is really condescending towards Chris.
One woman in the film feels up on his arm and pec muscles, she even asks Rose “Is it true? Is it (dramatic pause) better?” I know it may seem like it is just an older woman fantasizing about him. On the other hand, it is everyone that is looking at Chris with an intense gaze.
Also, at this point in the film, Chris comes across another African – American male named Andre “Logan” Hayworth played by LaKeith Stanfield (Snowden, Atlanta). Chris takes a picture of him, and Andre seems to break out of his trance. Andre freezes, has a nosebleed, and tears up a little. Suddenly, Andre starts freaking the hell out. He grabs Chris by the shoulders, shaking him, and yelling at Chris to get out. From that point on, the comedy beautifully transitions into a horror film.
It’s bloody, scary, violent, has social commentary and it all works. The humor works, the horror works, and the thriller ride is a real journey. The movie is really a great mix up of different genres in one. Later on in the film, we are introduced again to Chris’ best friend, Rod, played by Lil Rel Howery (The Carmichael Show).
T.S. Motherf*ckin’ A Saves the Day!
Rod truly is the comedy gold of this movie. Everything from his theory on Chris becoming a sex slave for these people to him believing he is the baddest T.S.A. officer on the block.
In a way, I feel like Rod was the character that can relate to the audience. Meaning Rod ask Chris what we would ask our friend if they were put in that situation. Such as, “How are you not scared of this?”
I would love to see more of that actor in movies and television. He literally had the entire theater laughing.
Speaking of people in the theater, this audience was really passionate, having fun, and really enjoying the movie from start to finish. People in the theater were clapping, cheering, screaming, and this is the type of film that made an audience come to life. One young lady was sitting next to me, and she tapped me, a total stranger, and said to me with a mouth full of popcorn and shiny buttered lips, “Damn this movie is hella good!”
Allison Williams and the rest of the cast did a great job, especially the parents. The parents for me were the scariest aspect of the movie. Williams shows some great acting range in this role. This isn’t a spoiler, but I’ll just say her character has a change of attitude that makes for an awesome twist.
I know this is a small nitpick. But I wasn’t a fan of how Chris comes to realize what the family is up to. You know how in many horror movies the killer may have left a door open by mistake, or the villain left his keys that go into his underground lair on the coffee table? Something like that happens in this film. I wasn’t the biggest fan because the movie was so original until it did that.
Hence, the writing, the directing, and the direction is all very artistic, fun, relatable, and I had a great time with this movie. I actually can’t wait to see this movie again. When it comes to a perfect blend of horror and comedy, this is what Kevin Smith’s Tusk film should have been like.
I know I had a little nitpick, but other than that I loved this movie. The comedy doesn’t feel forced, it has great tension, an original story, has a message, and there is not one dull point in this movie. I believe Get Out earns a…
9.5 Out of 10!
So if you haven’t seen Get Out, what are you still doing reading this review? Get out and go see Get Out.
“So how long has this been going on — this … thang?” Long enough for me to close the book on this review for now and possibly get back up in the game of some pretty white women. I’ll take the risk. Until next time, thank you all for reading, and or viewing, and I hope you all get out and have an amazing day as always. 🙂
Get Out Movie Review Written by Nile Fortner
Images: Get Out, Blumhouse Productions, Universal Pictures, and QC Entertainment.
Nile Fortner Presents...BOOGIE BUDDHA 